Day 3

The Reign of the King

from the The Kingdom of God reading plan


Daniel 7:13-14, Matthew 28:1-10, Matthew 28:16-18, Philippians 2:5-11, Colossians 1:15-23, Revelation 19:11-16

BY Bailey Gillespie

Jesus demonstrated His authority as the true Son of God, who now rules at the right hand of the Father. 


They sat on a mountain in Galilee, worshiping. There were eleven of them in total, not including Jesus, listening to His words as He drew close. Some of the disciples had their doubts, so Jesus had to reassure them that He was a trustworthy leader. “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth,” He said (Matthew 28:18). If the disciples were going to carry out the Great Commission, teaching others what Christ taught them, they needed to know He was for real. It wouldn’t have been enough simply to spread the sayings of a wise teacher around the world. 

When I’m weary of corrupt, worldly leaders and don’t know who to trust, I find so much comfort knowing Jesus is the true King with complete authority. It gives me the deepest sigh of relief. When we look to His leadership, we don’t have to worry about emotional manipulation or strategies to protect His self-image. His reign isn’t abusive or neglectful. It’s fully present and vigilant, just and merciful, all at once. He is the “King of kings and LORD of lords” who entered our world first as a servant and whose kingdom will never end (Revelation 19:16; Philippians 2:7). That’s a leader I want to follow. 

Some days, I confess it’s hard to picture Jesus as my King. I’m so used to the gospel accounts, which tell the story of an everyday-looking man in street clothes, who took strolls by the Sea of Galilee and enjoyed a good plate of food. I’m so used to talking to Jesus like a close friend. Praying to Him from my bed at night, as I pour out my sorrows and joys that only He knows. When I picture our Savior enthroned with a scepter, or some other sign of royalty, I get a little intimidated. Is He really the same? The same tender presence that comforts my broken heart and welcomes my very average piano playing as an offering of worship? 

The beauty of the gospel is that yes, He is. He’s both. Jesus Christ is our all-powerful King with unparalleled authority, and He’s also the risen Jewish teacher who still has scars on His hands.

What does it mean for Jesus to reign as King today—right now? Whether it feels like it or not, He is already King, and His reign is actively at work. He’s been “given dominion and glory and a kingdom” so all might know and worship Him (Daniel 7:14). But we also know that His kingdom is not fully as it will be when sin, evil, and corruption are weeded out for good. Once this happens, His reign as King will be undeniable by all. Together, we look forward with anticipation to His promised, never-ending rule and reign. I can hardly wait. 

Post Comments (98)

98 thoughts on "The Reign of the King"

  1. Brandi says:

    Amen and amen! ❤️

  2. Aimee D-R says:

    Oh King Jesus, how I need to keep in my heart that You are in control when this world seems so hard. Hear and answer the cries of our hearts. Ame

  3. Megan Taylor says:

    We are never alone.

  4. Casey Evans says:

    Yes, it is truly exciting and overwhelming all at once!

  5. Casey Evans says:

    Yes,

  6. Rachel Blessum says:

    I pray that I remember to let Christ rule over every aspect of my life!

  7. Anita Stephens says:

    What a lovely way to go the scriptures explaining the path Jesus took and how his followers were brought along. It was good to be reminded how all the pieces fit in to God’s masterful plans. I can’t wait to get to heaven.

  8. Mikayla Bowers says:

    Thankful for this reminder always, but especially in the midst of our world’s current state. Brokenness, hatred, chaos. But a God who remains good and in control of it all

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